Amorion Walker can help Michigan Football in more ways than one

One of the more interesting players on the Michigan football roster heading into 2023 is Amorion Walker and here’s why. 

When talking about potential breakout candidates for Michigan football heading into the 2023 season, one name that shouldn’t be overlooked is that of Amorion Walker.

Walker signed with the Wolverines in the 2022 recruiting class after flipping his commitment on Signing Day from Notre Dame. Walker is a superb athlete. He’s also 6-foot-3, 170 pounds, and was a name that drew buzz throughout the season as a guy to watch in the future.

What’s interesting is that Walker saw time for Michigan football at both wide receiver and defensive back. And he told Alejandro Zuniga of 247 sports that he expects to keep seeing time at both positions, at least for the time being.

“I’m still practicing at both. They’re really going to try to let me excel at both,” Walker said. “Whatever is going to get me playing, honestly”

Where will Walker play in 2023?

Michigan football has a legitimate need for Walker at both spots. The Wolverines lost Andrel Anthony to the transfer portal and could use another deep threat. Walker is a candidate for that due to his size and speed along with Darrius Clemons, a highly-ranked four-star recruit.

Walker was a three-star recruit but had an impressive offer list. Nick Saban even offered Walker as a cornerback, which is why it also makes sense to play him at defensive back.

The Wolverines have a need there too since the departures of DJ Turner and Gemon Green to the NFL draft. They were both starters last season. Will Johnson was basically a starter too and he’ll be the No. 1 cornerback in 2023.

But Michigan football still needs a No. 2 to emerge, along with others for depth. Walker could be a candidate to play there too along with Myles Pollard, Ja’Den McBurrows, and also incoming freshman Jyaire Hill. The transfer portal is an option too. 

Jim Harbaugh has shown a knack for knowing when to switch players too. Mike Sainristil moved to nickel back last season and was spectacular. Richard Sherman also moved from wide receiver to cornerback at Stanford under Harbaugh, so it’s not unprecedented.

Walker talked about how he’s gained 30 pounds and developed as both a receiver and defensive back. Harbaugh talked about him playing both ways last fall and who knows, maybe that will be a semi-permanent sort of thing — having a role on both sides of the ball.

Regardless of the position, Walker is one of the most intriguing players on the roster and whether it’s on offense or defense, I can’t wait to see what kind of impact he makes in 2023.